Enhancing The EV User Experience: Mastercard and Last Mile Solutions
In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at reshaping the landscape of electric vehicle (EV) charging, Mastercard and Last Mile Solutions have taken a significant step towards simplifying the payment experience for EV users across Europe. With an eye on achieving a more sustainable world by promoting Electric Vehicle adoption, these industry leaders have unveiled an innovative payment gateway solution that promises to eliminate existing barriers and revolutionise how we charge our electric vehicles.
Addressing EV Charging Pain Points
The electric vehicle market has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, with countries worldwide setting ambitious targets to transition from petrol cars to Electric vehicles. However, amidst this commendable shift towards eco-friendliness, several pain points have persisted, threatening to hinder the realisation of these goals. One such challenge has been the complexity and inconvenience associated with payment systems at EV charging stations.
A Unified Payment Experience
Recognising the need to address these pain points, Mastercard and Last Mile Solutions have come together to provide an elegant solution. This collaboration aims to offer Charge Point Operators (CPOs) a seamless and user-friendly payment experience for Electric Vehicles users. The newly unveiled payment gateway solution allows CPOs to effortlessly integrate their existing charging stations with various payment terminal brands without requiring extensive integration efforts. This breakthrough technology simplifies payment terminal integration and streamlines onboarding and transaction processing.
Promoting Widespread EV Adoption
At the heart of this partnership lies a shared commitment to fostering the widespread adoption of electric vehicles throughout Europe. By eliminating existing barriers and providing interoperable and universal payment solutions, Mastercard and Last Mile Solutions are making the transition to electric mobility as seamless as possible. The goal is to benefit consumers and support infrastructure operators in their quest to facilitate a sustainable future.
Strategic Insights
George Simon, Executive Vice President of Market Development Europe at Mastercard, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “The transition to the mass adoption of electric mobility is key to building a more sustainable world. Achieving this requires partnerships like these to make the transition seamless, not only for consumers but also for infrastructure operators.”
Eric van Voorden, Chief Executive Officer of Last Mile Solutions, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the strategic importance of this collaboration. “In the dynamic world of payment systems and electric vehicle charging, this strategic partnership between Mastercard and Last Mile Solutions will accelerate a seamless electric vehicle adoption,” he said. “Our leadership in the market is anchored by providing an effortless payment terminal solution for both retrofit and newly built charging stations. This collaboration is designed to support CPOs in seamlessly facilitating integration and complying with AFIR.”
Timely Rollout for Compliance
One of the key milestones of this partnership is the timely rollout of the solution across Europe, scheduled to commence in early 2024. This rollout is designed to enable CPOs to comply with the EU AFIR regulation, which is set to come into force in April 2024. By providing CPOs with the tools they need to align with these regulatory changes, Mastercard and Last Mile Solutions are taking proactive steps to ensure EV users can access convenient and hassle-free charging options.
A Greener and Accessible Future
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, partnerships like the one between Mastercard and Last Mile Solutions are essential in overcoming the challenges that stand in the way of mass EV adoption. By simplifying the payment experience and fostering interoperability, they are paving the way for a greener and more accessible world of electric mobility. With innovative solutions and forward-thinking collaborations, we can look forward to a future where charging our electric vehicles is as effortless as eco-friendly.
